CROSS REFERENCES
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following relates generally to wireless communication and more specifically to
semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) for machine-type communication (MTC) or enhanced
MTC (eMTC) devices.
[0003] Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication
content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These
systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing
the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such
multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time
division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA)
systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, (e.g.,
a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system). A wireless multiple-access communications system
may include a number of base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication
for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment
(UE).
[0004] Low-cost, low-complexity devices such as machine-type communication (MTC) devices,
may send or receive regular data transmissions that may be small in size. For these
regular transmissions, control channel information may constitute large amount of
overhead relative to the size of the transmission.
SUMMARY
[0005] Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) may be used for communication with MTC devices to,
for example, reduce overhead on control channels. Data transmissions scheduled using
SPS may also be repeated or bundled to effect coverage enhancement (CE) for devices
that that have poor radio link conditions. Both uplink and downlink transmissions
may be scheduled using SPS. An SPS configuration may include a predefined number of
scheduled transmission periods, which may be established in either an SPS configuration
message or as part of the SPS activation message from a base station. A device, such
as an MTC device, may identify CE level (e.g., a repetition level) of the transmissions
and, in some cases, may determine the periodicity of the SPS-assigned resources based
on the CE level. Resources assigned using SPS may be prioritized with respect to one
another or with respect to dynamically assigned resources. In some cases, resources
assigned using SPS may be dropped when they are determined to overlap with dynamically
assigned resources.
[0006] A method of wireless communication is described. The method may include receiving
signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, receiving a downlink control
message that activates the SPS, determining a coverage enhancement level for resources
assigned by the SPS based at least in part on the configuration or the downlink control
message, and communicating with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS
according to the coverage enhancement level.
[0007] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means
for receiving signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, means for receiving
a downlink control message that activates the SPS, means for determining a coverage
enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part on the
configuration or the downlink control message, and means for communicating with a
base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement
level.
[0008] A further apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include
a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions
stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the apparatus
to receive signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, receive a downlink
control message that activates the SPS, determine a coverage enhancement level for
resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part on the configuration or the downlink
control message, and communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by
the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.
[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication
is described. The code may include instructions executable to receive signaling that
indicates a configuration for an SPS, receive a downlink control message that activates
the SPS, determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS
based at least in part on the configuration or the downlink control message, and communicate
with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage
enhancement level.
[0010] Some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium
described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for
determining a periodicity of the resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part
on the coverage enhancement level. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples
the configuration for the SPS includes a plurality of SPS periodicities, and determining
the periodicity of the resources assigned by the SPS comprises selecting the periodicity
from the plurality of SPS periodicities based at least in part on the coverage enhancement
level.
[0011] Some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium
described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for
determining that an uplink data buffer is empty during a transmission period of the
configuration, wherein the configuration comprises an uplink SPS configuration, and
refraining from transmitting on the resources assigned by the SPS during the transmission
based at least in part on the determination that the uplink data buffer is empty.
Some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving
an indication to determine whether the uplink data buffer is empty during the transmission
period of the configuration, and the refraining from transmitting may be based at
least in part on the indication. Additionally or alternatively, some examples may
include processes, features, means, or instructions for incrementing a counter based
at least in part on the refraining from transmitting on the resources, determining
that the counter has value that exceeds a threshold, and releasing the SPS activation
based at least in part on the determination that the counter exceeds the threshold.
[0012] Some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium
described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for
receiving a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of
resources, and determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap
with the resources assigned by the SPS. Additionally or alternatively, some examples
may include processes, features, means, or instructions for communicating based at
least in part on the dynamic assignment, and refraining from communicating on at least
a portion of the resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part on the determination
that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned
by the SPS.
[0013] In some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable
medium described herein, the resources assigned by the SPS includes bundled transmission
time intervals (TTIs), and the refraining from communicating comprises refraining
from communicating for at least one bundle of TTIs. Additionally or alternatively,
some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for releasing
the SPS activation based at least in part on determining that the additional resources
overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0014] Some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium
described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for
refraining from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment
based at least in part on determining that the additional resources overlap with the
resources assigned by the SPS. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples the
refraining from communicating is based at least in part on whether the configuration
comprises an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration.
[0015] In some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable
medium described herein, the configuration includes an uplink SPS configuration and
a downlink SPS configuration, and determining that resources assigned by the SPS include
overlapping uplink resources and downlink resources. Additionally or alternatively,
in some examples communicating with the base station comprises refraining from communicating
on at least a portion of the uplink resources or the downlink resources.
[0016] Some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium
described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for
prioritizing the uplink resources or the downlink resources for communication, and
communicating with the base station comprises communicating based at least in part
on the prioritization. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples determining
the coverage enhancement level includes selecting a coverage enhancement level from
a set of coverage enhancement levels, where the set includes a level that corresponds
to no coverage enhancements.
[0017] A method of wireless communication is described. The method may include transmitting
signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, transmitting a downlink control
message that activates the SPS, where the configuration or the downlink control message
indicates a coverage enhancement level, and communicating with a UE on resources assigned
by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.
[0018] A further apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include
means for transmitting signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, means
for transmitting a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration
or the downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level, and means
for communicating with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage
enhancement level.
[0019] A further apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include
a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions
stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the apparatus
to transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, transmit a downlink
control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or the downlink
control message indicates a coverage enhancement level, and communicate with a UE
on resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.
[0020] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication
is described. The code may include instructions executable to transmit signaling that
indicates a configuration for an SPS, transmit a downlink control message that activates
the SPS, where the configuration or the downlink control message indicates a coverage
enhancement level, and communicate with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS according
to the coverage enhancement level.
[0021] Some examples of the method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium
described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for
identifying a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage enhancement
levels, and selecting a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration
for the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set. Additionally or alternatively,
some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting
a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of resources,
wherein the dynamic assignment may overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS,
and communicating with the UE comprises communicating may be based at least in part
on the dynamic assignment of resources. In some examples, the signaling that indicates
the configuration for SPS may include an indication for the UE to refrain from transmitting
during a transmission period of the configuration when an uplink data buffer of the
UE is empty.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Aspects of the disclosure are described in reference to the following figures:
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system that supports semi-persistent
scheduling (SPS) for enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) in accordance with
various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system that supports SPS
for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of SPS configuration and activation within systems
that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIGs. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D illustrate examples of resource assignment prioritization
within systems that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a process flow in a system that supports SPS for
eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIGs. 6-8 show block diagrams of a wireless device or devices that support SPS for
eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a system, including a user equipment (UE), that supports
SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIGs. 10-12 show block diagrams of a wireless device or devices that support SPS for
eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a system, including a base station, that supports
SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; and
FIGs. 14-17 illustrate methods that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various
aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Some wireless systems may support coverage enhancement (CE) for communication between
a user equipment (UE) and base station by transmitting repeated information in groups
known as bundles. In some cases, CE may include bundling (e.g., repeating instances
of) transmissions in order to ensure quality transmission for UEs that are operating
under poor channel quality conditions. Some wireless systems may also use semi-persistent
scheduling (SPS) to transmit periodic information (which may or may not be bundled)
between devices, such as UEs and base stations. Some wireless systems, including those
described herein, may thus support low-power, low-complexity devices (e.g, machine-type
communication (MTC) devices) by employing SPS and CE.
[0024] The transmissions from and to low-cost or low-complexity devices may include relatively
small amounts of data, and using SPS may reduce the amount of overhead for control
channels associated with that data. Low-cost or low-complexity devices, such as MTC
devices, may also use narrowband half-duplex unicast transmission for both physical
downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Thus,
the MTC devices may be limited to either transmit or receive at a given time.
[0025] As described below, SPS activation and information related to CE, including levels
of transmission repetition, may be dynamically indicated using an uplink or downlink
grant or with higher signaling, or both. A periodicity and a bundle size (i.e., a
CE level) for SPS-based communication may be configured for a specific device when
the device establishes a radio connection or when SPS is activated (e.g., with a grant).
[0026] To facilitate SPS-based communication with some MTC devices, for example, an SPS
period may be larger than a bundle size (e.g., a number of repeated transmissions)
because bundled transmissions may be transmitted at reoccurring SPS periods. For some
systems, including those configured to employ SPS without CE, a range of values of
SPS may be insufficient to accommodate all bundle sizes (e.g., CE levels). Thus, as
described herein, SPS periodicity may be modified or established based on CE levels
employed within a system.
[0027] In some wireless systems, including those that employ SPS primarily for higher-complexity
devices or user-intensive operation (e.g., voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)), a
UE may transmit padding bits if no data is available during an SPS-assigned uplink
transmission period. Transmitting the padding may, however, be inefficient for power
and resource management, especially if large bundling is used. Thus, as described
herein, UEs and MTC devices may be configured to refrain from transmitting during
SPS-assigned uplink transmission periods if, for example, an uplink data buffer is
empty. So rather than transmitting padding, a UE or MTC device may conserve resources
by refraining from transmitting if it does not have data to send. In some cases, a
UE or MTC device that refrains from uplink transmissions during SPS-assigned transmission
periods for multiple instances may releases its SPS assignment.
[0028] UEs and MTC devices may use both SPS-assigned resources and dynamically assigned
resources. In some cases, a UE may receive a dynamic assignment for resources that
overlap in the time domain with existing SPS-assigned resources. Due to bundling (e.g.,
for CE), such overlapping may be more prevalent or may result in assigned resources
that partially overlap. If there is an overlap of SPS-assigned resources with dynamically
assigned resources, a UE or base station may determine rules for transmitting using
one or both of the assignments. For example, the SPS assignment may be released or
it may remain configured. In some cases, SPS-assigned uplink and downlink resources
may overlap, and rules may be employed to prioritize transmissions.
[0029] Aspects of the disclosure introduced above are further described below in the context
of a wireless communication system. Specific examples are then described for SPS configurations
and for resource prioritization when assigned resources overlap. These and other aspects
of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus
diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to SPS for eMTC.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 that supports SPS
for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless
communications system 100 includes base stations 105, user equipment (UEs) 115, and
a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may be
a Long Term Evolution (LTE)/LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. Wireless communications
system 100 may support SPS for MTC devices to reduce the control signaling overhead.
[0031] Base stations 105 may wirelessly communicate with UEs 115 via one or more base station
antennas. Each base station 105 may provide communication coverage for a respective
geographic coverage area 110. Communication links 125 shown in wireless communications
system 100 may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE 115 to a base station 105,
or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station 105 to a UE 115. UEs 115 may be
dispersed throughout the wireless communications system 100, and each UE 115 may be
stationary or mobile. A UE 115 may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber
station, a remote unit, a wireless device, an access terminal, a handset, a user agent,
a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE 115 may also be a cellular phone,
a wireless modem, a handheld device, a personal computer, a tablet, a personal electronic
device, an MTC device or the like.
[0032] MTC devices may provide for automated wireless communication, which may include those
implementing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. M2M or MTC may refer to data
communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with one another or a
base station 105 without human intervention. For example, M2M or MTC may refer to
communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture
information and relay that information to a central server or application program
that can make use of the information or present the information to humans interacting
with the program or application. Some UEs 115 that may be MTC devices may be those
designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines. UEs 115
that are MTC devices may include the low cost or low-complexity devices mentioned
above and may communicate in uplink and downlink using coverage enhancement techniques.
[0033] Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring,
water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring,
weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security
sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging. An MTC
device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate.
MTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving "deep sleep" mode when
not engaging in active communications.
[0034] Base stations 105 may communicate with the core network 130 and with one another.
For example, base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 through backhaul
links 132 (e.g., S1, etc.). Base stations 105 may communicate with one another over
backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2, etc.) either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core
network 130). Base stations 105 may perform radio configuration and scheduling for
communication with UEs 115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller
(not shown). In some examples, base stations 105 may be macro cells, small cells,
hot spots, or the like. Base stations 105 may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs)
105.
[0035] In some cases, wireless communication system 100 may utilize coverage enhancement
(CE) techniques to improve the quality of a communication link 125 for UEs 115 located
at a cell edge, operating with low power transceivers, or experiencing high interference
or path loss. CE techniques may include repeated transmissions, transmission time
interval (TTI) bundling, HARQ retransmission, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)
hopping, beamforming, power boosting, or other techniques. The CE techniques used
may depend on the specific needs of UEs 115 in different circumstances. For example,
TTI bundling may involve sending multiple copies of the same information in a group
of consecutive TTIs rather than waiting for a negative acknowledgement (NACK) before
retransmitting redundancy versions. TTI bundling may be effective for communicating
when a channel quality between devices is poor or, in other cases, may be effective
for users engaging in voice over Long Term evolution (VoLTE) or VOIP communications.
[0036] In some examples, CE may include increasing the number of HARQ retransmissions. Uplink
data transmissions may also be transmitted using frequency hopping to achieve frequency
diversity. Additionally or alternatively, beamforming may be used to increase the
strength of a signal in a particular direction, or the transmission power may simply
be increased. In some cases, one or more CE options may be combined and CE levels
may be defined based on a number of decibels the techniques are expected to improve
a signal (e.g., no CE, 5dB CE, 10dB CE, 15dB CE, etc.), and each CE level may be associated
with one or more of a number of TTI bundling repetitions, frequency hopping, or beam
forming.
[0037] Wireless communications system 100 may use control signaling to communication with
UEs 115. For example, PDCCH may carry downlink control information (DCI) in control
channel elements (CCEs), which may consist of nine logically contiguous resource element
groups (REGs), where each REG contains 4 resource elements (REs). DCI may include
information regarding downlink (DL) scheduling assignments, uplink (UL) resource grants,
transmission scheme, UL power control, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information,
modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and other information. SPS activation messages
may be included in DCI.
[0038] The size and format of the DCI messages can differ depending on the type and amount
of information that is carried by the DCI. For example, if spatial multiplexing is
supported, the size of the DCI message is large compared to contiguous frequency allocations.
Similarly, for a system that employs multiple input multiple output (MIMO), the DCI
may include additional signaling information. DCI size and format depend on the amount
of information as well as factors such as bandwidth, the number of antenna ports,
and duplexing mode.
[0039] PDCCH can carry DCI messages associated with multiple users, and each UE 115 may
decode the DCI messages that are intended for it. For example, each UE 115 may be
assigned a cell radio network temporary identity (C-RNTI) and cyclic redundancy check
(CRC) bits attached to each DCI may be scrambled based on the C-RNTI. To reduce power
consumption and overhead at the user equipment, a limited set of CCE locations can
be specified for DCI associated with a specific UE 115. CCEs may be grouped (e.g.,
in groups of 1, 2, 4 and 8 CCEs), and a set of CCE locations in which the user equipment
may find relevant DCI may be specified. These CCEs may be known as a search space.
[0040] The search space can be partitioned into two regions: a common CCE region or search
space and a UE-specific (dedicated) CCE region or search space. The common CCE region
is monitored by all UEs served by a base station 105 and may include information such
as paging information, system information, random access procedures, and the like.
The UE-specific search space may include user-specific control information. CCEs may
be indexed, and the common search space may start from CCE 0. The starting index for
a UE specific search space depends on the C-RNTI, the subframe index, the CCE aggregation
level and a random seed. A UE 115 may attempt to decode DCI by performing a process
known as a blind decode, during which search spaces are randomly decoded until the
DCI is detected. During a blind decode, the UE 115 may attempt descramble all potential
DCI messages using its C-RNTI, and perform a CRC check to determine whether the attempt
was successful.
[0041] As mentioned above, a base station 105 and a UE 115 may utilize semi-persistent scheduling
(SPS) to reduce control signaling overhead. SPS may involve establishing a regular
pattern of scheduled resources with a given periodicity and may be used for a predefined
period of time. That is, a UE115 may be pre-configured by the eNB with an SPS radio
network temporary identity (SPS-RNTI) and a periodicity. If a UE 115 receives an allocation
using the SPS-RNTI (instead of the typical C-RNTI), then the allocation may be repeated
according to the pre-configured periodicity. During SPS, some parameters may remain
fixed such as RB assignments and Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS). Because of this,
if the radio link conditions change, a new allocation may be sent.
[0042] Some allocations, such as incremental redundancy (i.e., subsequent HARQ transmissions),
may be separately scheduled using dynamic scheduling. In some cases (e.g., based on
a conflict with dynamic scheduling or when a data transfer is completed) the SPS may
be deactivated using explicit signaling, predetermined rules, or based on an inactivity
timer.
[0043] SPS may be used for communication with UEs 115, such as MTC devices. Data transmissions
may also be repeated and bundled together during each SPS period to effect CE, which
may mitigate poor radio conditions. SPS-assigned communications may be used in both
uplink and downlink transmissions. An SPS configuration may include a predefined number
of iterations, which may be established in either an SPS configuration message or
as part of the SPS activation message from a base station. The UE 115 may identify
the CE level of the transmissions, and in some cases may determine the periodicity
of the SPS based on the CE level.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 200 that supports SPS
for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications
system 200 may include a UE 115-a and base station 105-a, which may be examples of
a UE 115 base station 105 described with reference to FIG. 1. Wireless communications
system 200 may support SPS for UE 115-a (which may be an MTC device) to reduce the
control signaling overhead.
[0045] Wireless communications system 200 may support CE for communication between UE 115-a
and base station 105-a by transmitting repeated information (i.e., a bundle) in consecutive
TTIs. In some cases, the information may be bundled in order to increase the likelihood
that transmissions will be successfully received under poor channel quality conditions.
Wireless communications system 200 may SPS to transmit periodic information, for example
a bundle of TTIs, between devices, such as UE 115-a and base station 105-a. Wireless
communications system 200 may support low power, low complexity devices (e.g, MTC
devices) using SPS transmission. The transmission may include relatively small amounts
of information, and using SPS may reduce the amount of overhead appropriate for the
physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).
[0046] Wireless communications system 200 may support narrowband half-duplex unicast transmission
for low cost and CE for both physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical
uplink shared channel (PUSCH). For low cost, UE 115-a have limited ability or may
be unable to transmit and receive at the same time. For CE, the amount of repetition
may be dynamically indicated in an uplink or downlink grant. The amount of repetition
may be based on a set of pre-defined values, which may be explicitly or implicitly
configured. The dynamic indication may be sent through an existing downlink control
(DCI) field which may reused for the indication or through a new DCI field.
[0047] To use SPS-assigned resources, which may be referred to as SPS communication, the
SPS communication may first be established between UE 115-a and base station 105-a.
The SPS communication may be configured and activated by higher layer signaling or
with physical channel messages, or both sent to UE 115-a from base station 105-a.
The configuration information may include repetition information for SPS assignments,
where the repetition information may include a number of times for SPS information
to be repeated in a bundle. In some cases, SPS configuration information and activation
may be indicated in grant on PDCCH. In some cases, the SPS communication may be configured
by upper layers of the wireless system, for example as part of the SPS configuration
message in radio resource control (RRC).
[0048] Once SPS communication is established, a periodicity and a bundle size "n" of the
SPS communication may be configured. As discussed above, the SPS period to be larger
than the bundle size, as the bundle may be transmitted at, for example, reoccurring
SPS periods. System 200 may thus use multiple sets of SPS periodicities depending,
for example, on a CE level or TTI bundle size of SPS-assigned transmissions.
[0049] By way of example, in order to manage appropriate SPS periodicity, multiple sets
of SPS periodicities may be defined. Each set may correspond to a repetition level
and may contain a list, for example, of possible SPS periodicities. In some examples,
two bits may be used to represent four possible repetition levels, with each list
having N values. One set may contain periodicities p11 through p1N. A second set may
contain periodicities p21 through p2N. A third set may contain periodicities p31 through
p3N. A fourth set may contain periodicities p41 through p4N. These four sets may be
referred to, respectively, as set 1 through set 4.
[0050] A UE 115 may be configured by RRC with multiple SPS periodicities. For example, UE
115-a may have an SPS configured for one of each possible repetition level. UE 115-a
may transmit, for example, at a first periodicity taken from set 1, a second periodicity
taken from set 2, a third periodicity from set 3, a fourth periodicity taken from
set 4, or any combination of those periodicities. Based on the repetition level indicated
in the SPS activation grant, UE 115-a may be aware of its configured SPS periodicity,
where a number of bits, for example two, in the activation grant may indicate the
SPS period and the SPS bundling.
[0051] In some cases, UEs may transmit padding bits if insufficient uplink data is available
to send during an uplink transmission period of SPS-assigned resources. Transmitting
the padding may be inefficient power and resource management, especially if large
bundling is used. So UE 115-a may be configured to transmit on SPS-assigned uplink
resources when uplink data is available for transmission, and UE 115-a may refrain
from transmitting during uplink transmission periods otherwise. For example, if the
UE 115-a has information in the buffer it may transmit on SPS-assigned uplink resources.
If UE 115-a has an empty buffer during an uplink transmission interval, it my refrain
from transmitting. As described further below, the UE 115-a may update an SPS implicit
release counter by 1 when not performing an SPS transmission due to an empty buffer,
where a bundled occasion may be considered 1 SPS transmission attempt, for instance.
[0052] Some wireless systems, including system 200, may use both SPS-assigned and dynamically
assigned resources. In some cases, a UE 115 may receive a dynamic assignment overlapping
in the time domain with a prior SPS assignment. Due to bundling, the transmissions
may partially overlap in some cases. The dynamic assignment may have the same or different
bundling size as the SPS assignment.
[0053] By way of example, if there is an overlap of SPS-assigned resources with the dynamic
assignment, the dynamic assignment may, in some cases, take precedence. If the dynamic
assignment takes precedence, the overlapped SPS assignment may be overridden. In some
cases, overriding the SPS assignment may include overriding in the overlapped portion
and remaining valid in the non-overlapped portions. In another case, overriding the
SPS assignment may include overriding the whole SPS bundle.
[0054] If an SPS assignment and a dynamic assignment overlap, the SPS assignment may be
released, or it may remain configured. If the SPS assignment is released, the SPS
transmission may stop and not transmit unless the UE 115 reconfigures it. If the SPS
assignment remains configured, the SPS assignment may transmit again during the next
SPS period. In some cases, the UE 115 may ignore an overlapping dynamic assignment
completely, for example by skipping grant monitoring or treating the overlap as an
error case. Ignoring the dynamic assignment may be appropriate for certain types of
SPS assignment; for instance, based on whether the SPS communication is through an
uplink or a downlink.
[0055] UE 115-a may have a limited ability to perform uplink transmission and downlink reception
or monitoring at the same time. Since a bundling size of SPS-assigned resources may
be dynamically changed during activation or, in some cases, re-activation, overlapping
uplink and downlink SPS-assigned resources may occur. System 200 may prioritize one
of the assignments or the other, treating one assignment as valid during a non-overlapped
portion, for instance; or by prioritizing one of the assignments and considering the
others as invalid for each TTI of bundle that is at least partially overlapped.
[0056] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of SPS configuration and activation schemes 301 and 302 within
systems that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present
disclosure. SPS configuration and activation schemes 301 and 302 may be used by a
UE 115 and base station 105 as described with reference to FIGs. 1-2. SPS configuration
and activation scheme 301 may represent an example in which CE level information (e.g.,
TTI bundling, power boosting, beamforming, etc.) is included in SPS activation grant
305. SPS configuration and activation schemes 302 may represent an example in which
the CE level information (e.g., TTI bundling, power boosting, beamforming, etc.) is
included in SPS configuration message 320.
[0057] An SPS activation grant 305 may be sent in order to initiate SPS communication by
assigning uplink or downlink resources at a periodic interval (e.g., after the SPS
has already been configured by higher layers). The SPS activation grant 305 may be
sent from a base station 105 to a UE 115. In some cases, the SPS activation grant
305 may include repetition information for SPS assignments and may be sent on PDCCH.
The repetition information for SPS assignments may include a duration, a periodicity,
and a number of iterations of SPS transmission.
[0058] SPS periods 310-a, 310-b, 310-c, and 310-d may be reoccurring timeframes for SPS
transmission. That is, SPS periods 310-a, 310-b, 310-c, and 310-d may be an allotted
amount of time transmit SPS information for either a UE in uplink communication or
a base station in downlink communication to. The SPS periods 310 may have a longer
duration than the time reserved for each SPS transmission bundle 315. Bundling information
for SPS period 310-a and SPS period 310-b may be determined partially on information
from the SPS activation grant 305.
[0059] SPS transmission bundle 315-a and SPS transmission bundle 315-b may be sent within
SPS periods 310-a and 310-b respectively. SPS transmission bundle 315-a may include
repeated information to support coverage enhancement. By sending the same information
multiple times, the receiver may obtain the information at a higher signal strength
than by transmitting the information once. SPS transmission bundle 315-b may also
include a bundle of repeated information, although it may be different repeated information
than what is contained in SPS transmission bundle 315-a. The SPS transmission may
involve sending SPS transmission bundles 315-a and 315-b for a previously indicated
number of iterations as specified in the SPS activation grant 305. After sending SPS
transmission bundles 315 for the predetermined number of iterations, the SPS communication
may be reconfigured for subsequent SPS transmissions.
[0060] Repetition information may alternatively be configured and sent in higher layer signaling,
such as part of a SPS configuration message 320, which may sent in RRC signaling.
That is, bundling information for SPS period 310-c and SPS period 310-d may be determined
partially on information from SPS configuration message 320. Then, an SPS activation
325 may be sent to initialize SPS communication. After initializing communication,
SPS transmission bundles 315-c and 315-d may be sent in SPS periods 310-c and 310-d
respectively. The SPS communication may involve sending SPS transmission bundle s
315 for a previously indicated number of iterations as specified in the SPS configuration
message 320.
[0061] FIGs. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D illustrate of resource assignment prioritization schemes 401, 402, 403, and 404 within
systems that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present
disclosure. Prioritization schemes 401, 402, 403, and 403 may be used by a UE 115
and base station 105 as described with reference to FIGs. 1-2.
[0062] SPS transmission bundle 405-a may be sent within SPS period 410-a. The duration of
an SPS transmission bundle may be shorter than the duration of its respective SPS
period. The duration of SPS transmission bundle 405-a may thus be shorter than the
duration of SPS period 410-a. A transmission such as SPS transmission bundle 405-a,
may, in some cases, be uninterrupted by dynamic transmissions, and the entire transmission
bundle may be received. This may indicate that there is no overlap between a dynamic
assignment and SPS transmission bundle 405-a.
[0063] In some cases, an SPS transmission such as SPS transmission bundle 405-b may overlap
with a dynamic transmission, such as overlapping dynamic transmission 425-a. A UE
115 may determine that SPS-assigned resources and dynamically assigned resources overlap
in time upon receiving a grant for the dynamically assigned resources. Dynamically
assigned resources, as described herein, may include resources of a physical shared
channel assigned to a specific UE 115 with a downlink grant in a downlink control
channel. In the case of overlapping bundles of SPS-assigned resources and dynamically
assigned resources, the receiver may handle the overlapping SPS communication in one
of several ways.
[0064] By way of example, in prioritization scheme 401, SPS transmission bundle 405-b may
include two portions, such as uninterrupted portion 415-a and interrupted portion
420-a. Uninterrupted portion 415-a may contain a portion of an SPS transmission bundle
405 (e.g., SPS-assigned resources) that does not overlap with a dynamic transmission
425. Interrupted portion 420-a may be scheduled to be received, for example, at the
same time as overlapping dynamic transmission 425-a. The device may receive uninterrupted
portion 415-a but cease SPS communication. Because the SPS transmission may contain
bundled, repeated information, part of uninterrupted portion 415-a may still be useful.
After interrupted SPS period 410-b, the time period of SPS released 435-a may last
indefinitely or until the SPS communication is reconfigured and re-activated. The
receiver may continue to receive dynamic transmissions 430-a and 430-b during the
time period of SPS released 435-a.
[0065] In prioritization scheme 402, a device may receive SPS transmission bundle 405-c
during SPS period 410-c. SPS transmission bundle 405-c may not contain an uninterrupted
portion. SPS transmission bundle 405-d may overlap a dynamic transmission, for example
overlapping dynamic transmission 425-b, and may contain two discrete parts, such as
uninterrupted portion 415-b and interrupted portion 420-b. Uninterrupted portion 415-b
may contain a portion of an SPS transmission bundle 405 that does not overlap with
a dynamic transmission 425. Interrupted portion 420-b may be scheduled to be received,
for example, at the same time as overlapping dynamic transmission 425-b. The device
may receive uninterrupted portion 415-b and continue further SPS transmissions.
[0066] Because the SPS transmission may contain bundled, repeated information, part of uninterrupted
portion 415-b may still be useful. After interrupted SPS period 410-d, SPS communication
may continue for the previously configured number of transmission iterations. During
SPS period 410-e, the receiving device may continue to receive SPS transmission bundle
405-e. The receiver may also continue to receive dynamic transmissions 430-c and 430-d.
[0067] In the example illustrated by prioritization scheme 403, a device may receive SPS
transmission bundle 405-f during SPS period 410-f. SPS transmission bundle 405-f may
not contain any uninterrupted portion. SPS transmission bundle 405-g may overlap a
dynamic transmission, for example dynamic transmission 425-c. The receiver may choose
to treat all of SPS transmission bundle 405-g as an interrupted portion 420-c and
ignore the entire bundle. Upon having a transmission bundle interrupted, the receiver
may choose to cease SPS communication. After interrupted SPS period 410-g, the time
period of SPS released 435-b may last indefinitely, until the SPS communication is
reconfigured and re-activated. The receiver may continue to receive dynamic transmissions
430-e and 430-f during the time period of SPS released 435-b.
[0068] In the example of prioritization scheme 404, a device may receive SPS transmission
bundle 405-h. SPS transmission bundle 405-h may not contain any uninterrupted portion.
SPS transmission bundle 405-i may overlap a dynamic transmission, for example dynamic
transmission 425-d. The receiver may choose to treat all of SPS transmission bundle
405-i as an interrupted portion 420-d and ignore the entire bundle. The receiver may
choose to continue SPS communication despite having a transmission interrupted. After
interrupted SPS period 410-i, SPS communication may continue for the previously configured
number of iterations. During SPS period 410-j, the receiving device may receive more
SPS transmission bundle 405-j, as well as dynamic transmissions 430-g and 430-h.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a Process flow 500 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. Process flow 500 may include a UE
115-b and base station 105-b, which may be examples of a UE 115 and base station 105
described with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2.
[0070] At step 505, UE 115-b may receive signaling that indicates SPS configuration information.
In some cases, the configuration signal may contain CE configuration information including
bundling information. At step 510, UE 115-b may receive a downlink control message
that activates the SPS. In some cases, the activation message may include bundling
information. The activation message may be sent on PDCCH for example.
[0071] At step 515, UE 115-b may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned
by the SPS based on the configuration or the downlink control message. That is, in
some examples, a CE level may be determined by SPS configuration information received
in RRC signaling. In other cases, a CE level may be determined by information, such
as an SPS activation, received in a downlink control message. Determining the coverage
enhancement level may include selecting a CE level from a set of CE levels, which
include a CE level that corresponds to no coverage enhancements. The CE levels may
thus include 0 dB, 5 dB, 10 dB, or 15 dB gain, for example.
[0072] At step 525, UE 115-b may determine a periodicity of the resources assigned by the
SPS based on the coverage enhancement level. In some examples, the configuration for
the SPS includes multiple SPS periodicities. Determining the periodicity of the resources
assigned by the SPS may include selecting the periodicity from the set of SPS periodicities
based on the coverage enhancement level.
[0073] In some cases, base station 105-b may identify a set of periodicities for each of
multiple coverage enhancement levels, and may select a periodicity from each set of
periodicities. The selected periodicities may be conveyed to UE 115-b via RRC signaling.
[0074] UE 115-b may communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS
according to the coverage enhancement level. Both UE 115-b and the base station 105-b
may transmit on SPS-assigned resources.
[0075] At step 525, either UE 115-b or base station 105-b may transmit or receive on SPS-assigned
resources. The resource may include TTI-bundled resources. In accordance with SPS
configuration, during a subsequent transmission period, the UE 115-b or the base station
105-b may transmit or receive on SPS-assigned resources at step 530. Transmission
and reception on SPS-assigned resources may continue according to the SPS configuration
and SPS activation or until SPS is released. An SPS release may be due, e.g., to several
unused uplink transmission periods or to overlapping scheduled transmissions.
[0076] By way of example, UE 115-b may determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during
a transmission period of the configuration, where the configuration includes an uplink
SPS configuration. The UE 115-b may refrain from transmitting on the resources assigned
by the SPS during the transmission based on the determination that the uplink data
buffer is empty. Then, the UE 115-b may increment a counter based on the refraining
from transmitting on the resources. The UE 115-b may determine that the counter has
value that exceeds a threshold and may release the SPS based on the determination
that the counter exceeds the threshold.
[0077] In some cases, the UE 115-b may be configured to refrain from transmitting during
a transmission period on resources assigned by the SPS. For example, signaling from
the base station 105-b may include an indication that the UE 115-b is to refrain from
transmitting during a transmission period when an uplink data buffer of the UE 115-b
is empty. Such an indication may be included in the signaling that indicates the SPS
configuration or in a downlink control message. The UE 115-b may receive the indication
from base station 105-b to determine whether the uplink data buffer is empty during
the transmission period of the SPS configuration. The UE 115-b may refrain from transmitting
based on determining that the uplink data buffer is empty, and thus based on receiving
the indication.
[0078] In some cases, UE 115-b may receive a second downlink control message that includes
a dynamic assignment of resources. The UE 115-b may determine that the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0079] In some cases, UE 115-b may communicate based on the dynamic assignment. The UE 115-b
may refrain from communicating some or all of the resources assigned by the SPS based
on the determination that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap
with the resources assigned by the SPS. In some examples, the resources assigned by
the SPS include bundled TTIs. In some examples, refraining from communicating includes
refraining from communicating for one bundle of TTIs. The UE 115-b may release the
SPS based on determining that the additional resources overlap with the resources
assigned by the SPS.
[0080] In some examples, UE 115-b may refrain from communicating on the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment based on determining that the additional resources overlap
with the resources assigned by the SPS. Refraining from communicating may, for instance,
be based on whether the SPS configuration includes an uplink configuration or a downlink
configuration. The UE 115-b may determine that resources assigned by the SPS include
overlapping uplink resources and downlink resources. Communicating with the base station
105-b may thus include refraining from communicating on a portion of the uplink resources
or the downlink resources.
[0081] In some cases, UE 115-b may prioritize the uplink resources or the downlink resources
for communication when both SPS-assigned uplink and downlink resources overlap. Thus,
communicating with the base station 105-b may include communicating based on the prioritization
of the uplink or downlink SPS-assigned resources.
[0082] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 600 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 600 may be an example
of aspects of a UE 115 described with reference to FIGs. 1-5. Wireless device 600
may include a receiver 605, a SPS manager 610, or a transmitter 615. Wireless device
600 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication
with one another.
[0083] The receiver 605 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information
associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels,
and information related to SPS for eMTC, etc.). Information may be passed on to the
SPS manager 610, and to other components of wireless device 600.
[0084] The SPS manager 610 may, in combination with receiver 605, receive signaling that
indicates a configuration for an SPS, receive a downlink control message that activates
the SPS, determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS
based on the configuration or the downlink control message, and communicate with a
base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement
level.
[0085] The transmitter 615 may transmit signals received from other components of wireless
device 600. In some examples, the transmitter 615 may be collocated with the receiver
605 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 615 may include a single antenna, or
it may include a plurality of antennas.
[0086] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 700 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 700 may be an example
of aspects of a wireless device 600 or a UE 115 described with reference to FIGs.
1-6. Wireless device 700 may include a receiver 605-a, a SPS manager 610-a, or a transmitter
615-a. Wireless device 700 may also include a processor. Each of these components
may be in communication with one another. The SPS manager 610-a may also include a
SPS configuration module 705, a SPS activation module 710, and a CE level module 715.
[0087] The receiver 605-a may receive information which may be passed on to SPS manager
610-a, and to other components of wireless device 700. The SPS manager 610-a may perform
the operations described with reference to FIG. 6. The transmitter 615-a may transmit
signals received from other components of wireless device 700.
[0088] The SPS configuration module 705 may, in combination with a receiver 605-a, receive
signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to
FIGs. 2-5. In some examples, the configuration for the SPS includes multiple SPS periodicities.
In some cases, the signaling that indicates the configuration for an SPS may include
an indication for the wireless device 700 to determine whether an uplink data buffer
is empty during a transmission period of the SPS configuration. The wireless device
700 may determine whether the buffer is empty during a time period, and may thus refrain
from transmitting based on the determination and thus based on the indication. The
SPS configuration module 705 may also determine that an uplink data buffer is empty
during a transmission period of the configuration. The SPS configuration module 705
may cause device 700 to refrain from transmitting on the resources assigned by the
SPS during the transmission based on the determination that the uplink data buffer
is empty. The SPS configuration module 705 may also increment a counter based on the
refraining from transmitting on the resources.
[0089] The SPS configuration module 705 may determine that the counter has value that exceeds
a threshold. In some examples, the refraining from communicating may be based on whether
the SPS configuration is determined to be an UL configuration or a DL configuration.
In some examples, the configuration includes an uplink SPS configuration and a downlink
SPS configuration. The SPS configuration module 705 may also determine that resources
assigned by the SPS include overlapping uplink resources and downlink resources. In
some examples, communicating with the base station includes refraining from communicating
on at least a portion of the uplink resources or the downlink resources. The SPS configuration
module 705 may prioritize the uplink resources or the downlink resources for communication.
In some examples, the device 700 may communicate with a base station based on the
prioritization. The SPS configuration module 705 may, in some cases, select a periodicity
from each set of periodicities, where the configuration for the SPS includes the periodicity
from each set.
[0090] The SPS activation module 710 may, in combination with receiver 650-a, receive a
downlink control message that activates the SPS as described with reference to FIGs.
2-5. The SPS activation module 710 may also release the SPS based on a determination
that the counter discussed above exceeds the threshold. The SPS activation module
710 may also release the SPS based on, for example, determining that the additional
resources overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0091] The CE level module 715 may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources
assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or the downlink control message as
described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. The CE level module 715 also, in combination
with the receiver 605-a or transmitter 615-a, communicate with a base station on the
resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level. The CE
level module 715 may also determine a periodicity of the resources assigned by the
SPS based on the coverage enhancement level. In some examples, determining the periodicity
of the resources assigned by the SPS includes selecting the periodicity from the set
of SPS periodicities based on the coverage enhancement level. In some examples, determining
the coverage enhancement level includes selecting a coverage enhancement level from
a set of coverage enhancement levels, where the set includes a level that corresponds
to no coverage enhancements. The CE level module 715 may also identify a set of periodicities
for each of multiple coverage enhancement levels.
[0092] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 800 of a SPS manager 610-b which may be a component of a wireless
device 600 or a wireless device 700 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with
various aspects of the present disclosure. The SPS manager 610-b may be an example
of aspects of a SPS manager 610 described with reference to FIGs. 6-7. The SPS manager
610-b may include a SPS configuration module 705-a, a SPS activation module 710-a,
and a CE level module 715-a. Each of these modules may perform the functions described
with reference to FIG. 7. The SPS manager 610-b may also include and a dynamic resources
module 805.
[0093] The dynamic resources module 805 may receive a second downlink control message that
includes a dynamic assignment of resources as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5.
The dynamic resources module 805 may also determine that the resources assigned by
the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS. The dynamic
resources module 805 may also communicate based on the dynamic assignment. The dynamic
resources module 805 may also refrain from communicating on at least a portion of
the resources assigned by the SPS based on the determination that the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0094] In some examples, the resources assigned by the SPS include bundled TTIs. Refraining
from communicating may thus include refraining from communicating for at least one
bundle of TTIs. The dynamic resources module 805 may cause a device 600 or 700 to
refrain from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment based
on determining that the additional resources overlap with the resources assigned by
the SPS. In some examples, communicating with the UE includes communicating based
on the dynamic assignment of resources.
[0095] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a system 900, including a UE that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. System 900 may include UE 115-c, which
may be an example of a wireless device 600, a wireless device 700, or a UE 115 described
with reference to FIGs. 1, 2 and 6-8. UE 115-c may include a SPS manager 910, which
may be an example of a SPS manager 610 described with reference to FIGs. 6-8. UE 115-c
may also include an MTC 925, which may enable MTC operations such as communication
with CE. UE 115-c may also include components for bi-directional voice and data communications
including components for transmitting communications and components for receiving
communications. For example, UE 115-c may communicate bi-directionally with base station
105-c.
[0096] UE 115-c may also include a processor 905, and memory 915 (including software (SW)
920), a transceiver 935, and one or more antenna(s) 940, each of which may communicate,
directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via buses 945). The transceiver 935
may communicate bi-directionally, via the antenna(s) 940 or wired or wireless links,
with one or more networks, as described above. For example, the transceiver 935 may
communicate bi-directionally with a base station 105 or another UE 115. The transceiver
935 may include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets
to the antenna(s) 940 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the
antenna(s) 940. While UE 115-c may include a single antenna 940, UE 115-c may also
have multiple antennas 940 capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple
wireless transmissions.
[0097] The memory 915 may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM).
The memory 915 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software/firmware
code 920 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 905 to perform
various functions described herein (e.g., SPS for eMTC, etc.). Alternatively, the
software/firmware code 920 may not be directly executable by the processor 905 but
cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described
herein. The processor 905 may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a central
processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), etc.)
[0098] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 1000 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 1000 may be an example
of aspects of a base station 105 described with reference to FIGs. 1-9. Wireless device
1000 may include a receiver 1005, a base station SPS manager 1010, or a transmitter
1015. Wireless device 1000 may also include a processor. Each of these components
may be in communication with one another.
[0099] The receiver 1005 may, in combination with receiver 1005 for example, receive information
such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information
channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to SPS for
eMTC, etc.). Information may be passed on to the base station SPS manager 1010, and
to other components of wireless device 1000.
[0100] The base station SPS manager 1010 may transmit signaling that indicates a configuration
for an SPS, transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, where the
configuration or the downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level,
and communicate with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage
enhancement level.
[0101] The transmitter 1015 may transmit signals received from other components of wireless
device 1000. In some examples, the transmitter 1015 may be collocated with the receiver
1005 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 1015 may include a single antenna, or
it may include multiple antennas.
[0102] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 1100 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 1100 may be an example
of aspects of a wireless device 1000 or a base station 105 described with reference
to FIGs. 1-10. Wireless device 1100 may include a receiver 1005-a, a base station
SPS manager 1010-a, or a transmitter 1015-a. Wireless device 1100 may also include
a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another. The
base station SPS manager 1010-a may also include a BS SPS configuration module 1105,
a BS SPS activation module 1110, and a BS CE level module 1115.
[0103] The receiver 1005-a may receive information, which may be passed on to base station
SPS manager 1010-a, and to other components of wireless device 1100. The base station
SPS manager 1010-a may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 10.
The transmitter 1015-a may transmit signals received from other components of wireless
device 1100.
[0104] The BS SPS configuration module 1105 may, in combination with transmitter 1015-a
for example, transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS as described
with reference to FIGs. 2-5. The BS SPS activation module 1110 may, in combination
with transmitter 1015-a for example, transmit a downlink control message that activates
the SPS, where the configuration or the downlink control message indicates a coverage
enhancement level as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. The BS SPS configuration
module 1105 or the BS SPS activation module 1110 may, in combination with transmitter
1015-a, for example, transmit an indication for a UE to refrain from transmitting
during a transmission period of an SPS configuration when an uplink data buffer of
the UE is empty. The BS CE level module 1115 may, in combination with receiver 1005-a
or transmitter 1015-a for example, communicate with a UE on resources assigned by
the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level as described with reference to
FIGs. 2-5.
[0105] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of a base station SPS manager 1010-b which may be a component
of a wireless device 1000 or a wireless device 1100 that supports SPS for eMTC in
accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station SPS manager
1010-b may be an example of aspects of a base station SPS manager 1010 described with
reference to FIGs. 10-11. The base station SPS manager 1010-b may include a BS SPS
configuration module 1105-a, a BS SPS activation module 1110-a, and a BS CE level
module 1115-a. Each of these modules may perform the functions described with reference
to FIG. 11. The base station SPS manager 1010-b may also include and a BS dynamic
resources module 1205.
[0106] The BS dynamic resources module 1205 may, in combination with a transmitter 1015
for example, transmit a second downlink control message that includes a dynamic assignment
of resources, where the dynamic assignment overlaps with the resources assigned by
the SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5.
[0107] FIG. 13 shows a diagram of a system 1300, including a base station that supports SPS for
eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. System 1300 may
include base station 105-d, which may be an example of a wireless device 1000, a wireless
device 1100, or a base station 105 described with reference to FIGs. 1, 2 and 10-12.
Base Station 105-d may include a base station SPS manager 1310, which may be an example
of a base station SPS manager 1010 described with reference to FIGs. 10-12. Base Station
105-d may also include components for bi-directional voice and data communications
including components for transmitting communications and components for receiving
communications. For example, base station 105-d may communicate bi-directionally with
UE 115-d or UE 115-e.
[0108] In some cases, base station 105-d may have one or more wired backhaul links. Base
station 105-d may have a wired backhaul link (e.g., S1 interface, etc.) to the core
network 130. Base station 105-d may also communicate with other base stations 105,
such as base station 105-e and base station 105-f via inter-base station backhaul
links (e.g., an X2 interface). Each of the base stations 105 may communicate with
UEs 115 using the same or different wireless communications technologies. In some
cases, base station 105-d may communicate with other base stations such as 105-e or
105-f utilizing base station communications module 1325. In some examples, base station
communications module 1325 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless
communication network technology to provide communication between some of the base
stations 105. In some examples, base station 105-d may communicate with other base
stations through core network 130. In some cases, base station 105-d may communicate
with the core network 130 through network communications module 1330.
[0109] The base station 105-d may include a processor 1305, memory 1315 (including software
(SW) 1320), transceiver 1335, and antenna(s) 1340, which each may be in communication,
directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., over bus system 1345). The transceivers
1335 may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the antenna(s) 1340, with
the UEs 115, which may be multi-mode devices. The transceiver 1335 (or other components
of the base station 105-d) may also be configured to communicate bi-directionally,
via the antennas 1340, with one or more other base stations (not shown). The transceiver
1335 may include a modem configured to modulate the packets and provide the modulated
packets to the antennas 1340 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received
from the antennas 1340. The base station 105-d may include multiple transceivers 1335,
each with one or more associated antennas 1340. The transceiver may be an example
of a combined receiver 1005 and transmitter 1015 of FIG. 10.
[0110] The memory 1315 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 1315 may also store computer-readable,
computer-executable software code 1320 containing instructions that are configured
to, when executed, cause the processor 1305 to perform various functions described
herein (e.g., SPS for eMTC, selecting coverage enhancement techniques, call processing,
database management, message routing, etc.). Alternatively, the software code 1320
may not be directly executable by the processor 1305 but be configured to cause the
computer, e.g., when compiled and executed, to perform functions described herein.
The processor 1305 may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller,
an ASIC, etc. The processor 1305 may include various special purpose processors such
as encoders, queue processing modules, base band processors, radio head controllers,
digital signal processor (DSPs), and the like.
[0111] The base station communications module 1325 may manage communications with other
base stations 105. In some cases, a communications management module may include a
controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs 115 in cooperation
with other base stations 105. For example, the base station communications module
1325 may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs 115 for various interference
mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission.
[0112] The components of wireless device 600, wireless device 700, SPS manager 610, wireless
device 1000, wireless device 1100, BS SPS manager 1010, and systems 900 and 1300 may,
individually or collectively, be implemented with at least one ASIC adapted to perform
some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions
may be performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on at least one
IC. In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform
ASICs, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another semi-custom IC), which may
be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also
be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted
to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors.
[0113] FIG. 14 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1400 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1400 may
be implemented by a UE 115 or its components as described with reference to FIGs.
1-13. For example, the various operations of method 1400 may be performed by the SPS
manager 610 or 910 and the transceiver 935, as described with reference to FIGs. 6-9.
In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements
of the UE 115 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively,
the UE 115 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose
hardware.
[0114] At block 1405, the UE 115 may receive signaling that indicates a configuration for
an SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1405 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with
reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0115] At block 1410, the UE 115 may receive a downlink control message that activates the
SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1410 may be performed by the SPS activation module 710 as described with
reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0116] At block 1415, the UE 115 may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources
assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or the downlink control message as
described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block
1415 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to FIG.
7 or the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0117] At block 1420, the UE 115 may communicate with a base station on the resources assigned
by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level as described with reference
to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1420 may be performed by
the CE level module 715 as described with reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935
as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0118] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1500 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1500 may
be implemented by a UE 115 or its components as described with reference to FIGs.
1-13. For example, the operations of method 1500 may be performed by the SPS manager
610610 or 910 and the transceiver 935, as described with reference to FIGs. 6-9. In
some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements
of the UE 115 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively,
the UE 115 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose
hardware. The method 1500 may also incorporate aspects of method 1400 of FIG. 14.
[0119] At block 1505, the UE 115 may receive signaling that indicates a configuration for
an SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1505 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with
reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0120] At block 1510, the UE 115 may receive a downlink control message that activates the
SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1510 may be performed by the SPS activation module 710 as described with
reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0121] At block 1515, the UE 115 may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources
assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or the downlink control message as
described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block
1515 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to FIG.
7 or the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0122] At block 1520, the UE 115 may communicate with a base station on the resources assigned
by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level as described with reference
to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1520 may be performed by
the CE level module 715 as described with reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935
as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0123] At block 1525, the UE 115 may determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during
a transmission period of the configuration, where the configuration includes an uplink
SPS configuration as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the
operations of block 1525 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described
with reference to FIG. 7 or the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to FIG.
9.
[0124] At block 1530, the UE 115 may refrain from transmitting on the resources assigned
by the SPS during the transmission based on the determination that the uplink data
buffer is empty as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the
operations of block 1530 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described
with reference to FIG. 7 or the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to FIG.
9. In some examples, the UE 115 may receive an indication to determine whether the
uplink data buffer is empty during the transmission period of the configuration, and
the UE 115 may refrain from transmitting based on the indication.
[0125] FIG. 16 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1600 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1600 may
be implemented by a UE 115 or its components as described with reference to FIGs.
1-13. For example, the operations of method 1600 may be performed by the SPS manager
610 or 910 and the transceiver 935, as described with reference to FIGs. 6-9. In some
examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of
the UE 115 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively,
the UE 115 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose
hardware. The method 1600 may also incorporate aspects of methods 1400, and 1500 of
FIGs. 14-15.
[0126] At block 1605, the UE 115 may receive signaling that indicates a configuration for
an SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1605 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with
reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0127] At block 1610, the UE 115 may receive a downlink control message that activates the
SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1610 may be performed by the SPS activation module 710 as described with
reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0128] At block 1615, the UE 115 may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources
assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or the downlink control message as
described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block
1615 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to FIG.
7 or the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0129] At block 1620, the UE 115 may communicate with a base station on the resources assigned
by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level as described with reference
to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1620 may be performed by
the CE level module 715 as described with reference to FIG. 7 or the transceiver 935
as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0130] At block 1625, the UE 115 may receive a second downlink control message that includes
a dynamic assignment of resources as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain
examples, the operations of block 1625 may be performed by the dynamic resources module
805 as described with reference to FIG. 8 or the transceiver 935 as described with
reference to FIG. 9.
[0131] At block 1630, the UE 115 may determine that the resources assigned by the dynamic
assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS as described with reference
to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1630 may be performed by
the dynamic resources module 805 as described with reference to FIG. 8 or the SPS
manager 910 as described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0132] FIG. 17 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1700 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1700 may
be implemented by a base station 105 or its components as described with reference
to FIGs. 1-13. For example, the operations of method 1700 may be performed by the
base station SPS manager 1010 or 1310 or transceiver 1335, as described with reference
to FIGs. 10-13. In some examples, a base station 105 may execute a set of codes to
control the functional elements of the base station 105 to perform the functions described
below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105 may perform aspects the
functions described below using special-purpose hardware.
[0133] At block 1705, the base station 105 may transmit signaling that indicates a configuration
for an SPS as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations
of block 1705 may be performed by the BS SPS configuration module 1105 as described
with reference to FIG. 11 or the transceiver 1335 as described with reference to FIG.
13.
[0134] At block 1710, the base station 105 may transmit a downlink control message that
activates the SPS, where the configuration or the downlink control message indicates
a coverage enhancement level as described with reference to FIGs. 2-5. In certain
examples, the operations of block 1710 may be performed by the BS SPS activation module
1110 as described with reference to FIG. 11 or the transceiver 1335 as described with
reference to FIG. 13.
[0135] At block 1715, the base station 105 may communicate with a UE on resources assigned
by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level as described with reference
to FIGs. 2-5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1715 may be performed by
the BS CE level module 1115 as described with reference to FIG. 11 or the transceiver
1335 as described with reference to FIG. 13.
[0136] Thus, methods 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 may provide that supports SPS for eMTC.
It should be noted that methods 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 describe possible implementation,
and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified such
that other implementations are possible. In some examples, aspects from two or more
of the methods 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 may be combined.
[0137] The description herein provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability,
or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made in the function and arrangement
of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various
examples may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate.
Also, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in other examples.
[0138] Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems
such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),
frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple
access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other
systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A code division
multiple access (CDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal
Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards.
IS-2000 Releases 0 and A are commonly referred to as CDMA2000 IX, IX, etc. IS-856
(TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD),
etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A time division
multiple access (TDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM). An orthogonal frequency division multiple access
(OFDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB),
Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM,
etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications system (UMTS).
3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are new releases of Universal
Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS), LTE, LTE-A, and Global System for Mobile communications
(GSM) are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership
Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization
named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described herein
may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above as well as other
systems and radio technologies. The description herein, however, describes an LTE
system for purposes of example, and LTE terminology is used in much of the description
above, although the techniques are applicable beyond LTE applications.
[0139] In LTE/LTE-A networks, including such networks described herein, the term evolved
node B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the base stations. The wireless communications
system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in
which different types of evolved node B (eNBs) provide coverage for various geographical
regions. For example, each eNB or base station may provide communication coverage
for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term "cell" is a 3GPP
term that can be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated
with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base
station, depending on context.
[0140] Base stations may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a
base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver,
a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology.
The geographic coverage area for a base station may be divided into sectors making
up a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communications system or systems described
herein may include base stations of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base
stations). The UEs described herein may be able to communicate with various types
of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay
base stations, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for
different technologies.
[0141] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers
in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with
the network provider. A small cell is a lower-powered base station, as compared with
a macro cell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed,
etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells,
and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell, for example, may cover
a small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions
with the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a small geographic area (e.g.,
a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto
cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in the home, and
the like). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a
small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home
eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells
(e.g., component carriers). A UE may be able to communicate with various types of
base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base
stations, and the like.
[0142] The wireless communications system or systems described herein may support synchronous
or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations may have similar
frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately
aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations may have different
frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in
time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous
operations.
[0143] The downlink transmissions described herein may also be called forward link transmissions
while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each
communication link described herein-including, for example, wireless communications
system 100 and 200 of FIGs. 1 and 2-may include one or more carriers, where each carrier
may be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of different
frequencies). Each modulated signal may be sent on a different sub-carrier and may
carry control information (e.g., reference signals, control channels, etc.), overhead
information, user data, etc. The communication links described herein (e.g., communication
links 125 of FIG. 1) may transmit bidirectional communications using frequency division
duplex (FDD) (e.g., using paired spectrum resources) or time division duplex (TDD)
operation (e.g., using unpaired spectrum resources). Frame structures may be defined
for frequency division duplex (FDD) (e.g., frame structure type 1) and TDD (e.g.,
frame structure type 2).
[0144] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes
example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented
or that are within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" used herein means
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and not "preferred" or "advantageous
over other examples." The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose
of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however,
may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures
and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts
of the described examples.
[0145] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference
label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following
the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar
components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description
is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference
label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0146] Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety
of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands,
information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the
above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves,
magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
[0147] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure
herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an
ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions
described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller,
or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing
devices (e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor,
multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core,
or any other such configuration).
[0148] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed
by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed
by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more
instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations
are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the
nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software executed
by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features
implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including
being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical
locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of
items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as "at least one of'
or "one or more of') indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of
at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and
B and C).
[0149] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication
media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one
place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that
can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example,
and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically
erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other
non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means
in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose
or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also,
any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the
software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial
cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber
optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies
such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk
and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile
disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically,
while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also
included within the scope of computer-readable media.
[0150] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make
or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied
to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the
disclosure is not to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is
to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed herein.
EMBODIMENTS
[0151] Preferably, a method of wireless communication, comprising:
receiving signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling
(SPS);
receiving a downlink control message that activates the SPS;
determining a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based at
least in part on the configuration or the downlink control message; and
communicating with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to
the coverage enhancement level.
[0152] Preferably, further comprising:
determining a periodicity of the resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part
on the coverage enhancement level.
[0153] Preferably, further comprising:
determining that an uplink data buffer is empty during a transmission period of the
configuration, wherein the configuration comprises an uplink SPS configuration; and
refraining from transmitting on the resources assigned by the SPS during the transmission
period based at least in part on the determination that the uplink data buffer is
empty.
[0154] Preferably, further comprising:
receiving an indication to determine whether the uplink data buffer is empty during
the transmission period of the configuration, wherein the refraining from transmitting
is based at least in part on the indication.
[0155] Preferably, further comprising:
incrementing a counter based at least in part on the refraining from transmitting
on the resources;
determining that the counter has value that exceeds a threshold; and
releasing the SPS based at least in part on the determination that the counter exceeds
the threshold.
[0156] Preferably, further comprising:
receiving a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of
resources; and
determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the
resources assigned by the SPS.
[0157] Preferably, further comprising:
communicating based at least in part on the dynamic assignment; and
refraining from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned by the
SPS based at least in part on the determination that the resources assigned by the
dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0158] Preferably, wherein the resources assigned by the SPS comprise bundled transmission
time intervals (TTIs), and wherein the refraining from communicating comprises:
refraining from communicating for at least one bundle of TTIs.
[0159] Preferably, further comprising:
releasing the SPS based at least in part on determining that the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0160] Preferably, further comprising:
refraining from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment
based at least in part on determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment
overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0161] Preferably, wherein the refraining from communicating is based at least in part on
whether the configuration comprises an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration.
[0162] Preferably, wherein determining the coverage enhancement level comprises:
selecting the coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement levels,
wherein the set comprises a level that corresponds to no coverage enhancements.
[0163] Preferably, a method of wireless communication, comprising:
transmitting signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling
(SPS);
transmitting a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration
or the downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level; and
communicating with a user equipment (UE) on resources assigned by the SPS according
to the coverage enhancement level.
[0164] Preferably, further comprising:
identifying a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage enhancement
levels; and
selecting a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration
for the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set.
[0165] Preferably, further comprising:
transmitting a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment
of resources, wherein the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with
the resources assigned by the SPS, wherein communicating with the UE comprises communicating
based at least in part on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment.
[0166] Preferably, wherein the signaling that indicates the configuration for SPS comprises
an indication for the UE to refrain from transmitting during a transmission period
of the configuration when an uplink data buffer of the UE is empty.
[0167] Preferably, an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:
means for receiving signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent (SPS);
means for receiving a downlink control message that activates the SPS;
means for determining a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS
based at least in part on the configuration or the downlink control message; and
means for communicating with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according
to the coverage enhancement level.
[0168] Preferably, further comprising:
means for determining a periodicity of the resources assigned by the SPS based at
least in part on the coverage enhancement level.
[0169] Preferably, further comprising:
means for determining that an uplink data buffer is empty during a transmission period
of the configuration, wherein the configuration comprises an uplink SPS configuration;
and
means for refraining from transmitting on the resources assigned by the SPS during
the transmission period based at least in part on the determination that the uplink
data buffer is empty.
[0170] Preferably, wherein the means for receiving the signaling that indicates the configuration
for SPS comprises means for receiving an indication to determine whether the uplink
data buffer is empty during the transmission period of the configuration, and wherein
the means for refraining from transmitting is operable based at least in part on the
indication.
[0171] Preferably, further comprising:
means for incrementing a counter based at least in part on the refraining from transmitting
on the resources;
means for determining that the counter has value that exceeds a threshold; and
means for releasing the SPS based at least in part on the determination that the counter
exceeds the threshold.
[0172] Preferably, further comprising:
means for receiving a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment
of resources; and
means for determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap
with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0173] Preferably, further comprising:
means for communicating based at least in part on the dynamic assignment; and
means for refraining from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned
by the SPS based at least in part on the determination that the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0174] Preferably, wherein the means for refraining from communicating comprises:
means for refraining from communicating for at least one bundle of transmission time
intervals (TTIs), wherein the resources assigned by the SPS comprise bundled transmission
TTIs.
[0175] Preferably, further comprising:
means for releasing the SPS based at least in part on determining that the resources
assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0176] Preferably, further comprising:
means for refraining from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment
based at least in part on determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment
overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0177] Preferably, wherein the means for refraining from communicating are operable based
at least in part on whether the configuration comprises an uplink configuration or
a downlink configuration.
[0178] Preferably, wherein means for determining the coverage enhancement level comprises:
means for selecting the coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement
levels, wherein the set comprises a level that corresponds to no coverage enhancements.
[0179] Preferably, an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:
means for transmitting signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent
scheduling (SPS);
means for transmitting a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein
the configuration or the downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement
level; and
means for communicating with a user equipment (UE) on resources assigned by the SPS
according to the coverage enhancement level.
[0180] Preferably, further comprising:
means for identifying a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage enhancement
levels; and
means for selecting a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration
for the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set.
[0181] Preferably, further comprising:
means for transmitting a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic
assignment of resources, wherein the dynamic assignment overlaps with the resources
assigned by the SPS, and wherein the means for communicating with the UE is operable
to communicate based at least in part on the dynamic assignment of resources.
[0182] Preferably, an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:
a processor;
memory in electronic communication with the processor; and
instructions stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to
cause the apparatus to:
receive signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling (SPS);
receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS;
determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based at
least in part on the configuration or the downlink control message; and
communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to
the coverage enhancement level.
[0183] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
determine a periodicity of the resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part
on the coverage enhancement level.
[0184] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during a transmission period of the
configuration, wherein the configuration comprises an uplink SPS configuration; and
refrain from transmitting on the resources assigned by the SPS during the transmission
period based at least in part on the determination that the uplink data buffer is
empty.
[0185] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
receive an indication to determine whether the uplink data buffer is empty during
the transmission period of the configuration; and
refrain from transmitting is based at least in part on the indication.
[0186] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
increment a counter based at least in part on the refraining from transmitting on
the resources;
determine that the counter has value that exceeds a threshold; and
release the SPS based at least in part on the determination that the counter exceeds
the threshold.
[0187] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
receive a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of resources;
and
determine that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources
assigned by the SPS.
[0188] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
communicate based at least in part on the dynamic assignment; and
refrain from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned by the
SPS based at least in part on the determination that the resources assigned by the
dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0189] Preferably, wherein the resources assigned by the SPS comprise bundled transmission
time interval (TTIs), and wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus
to:
refrain from communicating for at least one bundle of TTIs.
[0190] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
release the SPS based at least in part on determining that the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0191] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment based at least
in part on determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap
with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0192] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
refrain from communicating is based at least in part on whether the configuration
comprises an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration.
[0193] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
select the coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement levels, wherein
the set comprises a level that corresponds to no coverage enhancements.
[0194] Preferably, an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:
a processor;
memory in electronic communication with the processor; and
instructions stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to
cause the apparatus to:
transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling (SPS);
transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration
or the downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level; and
communicate with a user equipment (UE) on resources assigned by the SPS according
to the coverage enhancement level.
[0195] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
identify a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage enhancement levels;
and
select a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration for
the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set.
[0196] Preferably, wherein the instructions are operable to cause the apparatus to:
transmit a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of
resources, wherein the dynamic assignment overlaps with the resources assigned by
the SPS; and
communicating with the UE based at least in part on the dynamic assignment of resources.
[0197] Preferably, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication,
the code comprising instructions executable to:
receive signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling (SPS);
receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS;
determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based at
least in part on the configuration or the downlink control message; and
communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to
the coverage enhancement level.
[0198] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
determine a periodicity of the resources assigned by the SPS based at least in part
on the coverage enhancement level.
[0199] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during a transmission period of the
configuration, wherein the configuration comprises an uplink SPS configuration; and
refrain from transmitting on the resources assigned by the SPS during the transmission
period based at least in part on the determination that the uplink data buffer is
empty.
[0200] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
increment a counter based at least in part on the refraining from transmitting on
the resources;
determine that the counter has value that exceeds a threshold; and
release the SPS based at least in part on the determination that the counter exceeds
the threshold.
[0201] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
receive a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of resources;
and
determine that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources
assigned by the SPS.
[0202] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
communicate based at least in part on the dynamic assignment; and
refrain from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned by the
SPS based at least in part on the determination that the resources assigned by the
dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0203] Preferably, wherein the resources assigned by the SPS comprise bundled transmission
time interval (TTIs), and wherein the instructions are executable to:
refrain from communicating for at least one bundle of TTIs.
[0204] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
release the SPS based at least in part on determining that the resources assigned
by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0205] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
refrain from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment based
at least in part on determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment
overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.
[0206] Preferably, wherein the refraining from communicating is based at least in part on
whether the configuration comprises an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration.
[0207] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
select the coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement levels, wherein
the set comprises a level that corresponds to no coverage enhancements.
[0208] Preferably, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication,
the code comprising instructions executable to:
transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling (SPS);
transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration
or the downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level; and
communicate with a user equipment (UE) on resources assigned by the SPS according
to the coverage enhancement level.
[0209] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
identify a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage enhancement levels;
and
select a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration for
the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set.
[0210] Preferably, wherein the instructions are executable to:
transmit a second downlink control message that comprises a dynamic assignment of
resources, wherein the dynamic assignment overlaps with the resources assigned by
the SPS; and
communicate with the UE based at least in part on the dynamic assignment of resources.